Bees are thriving in the gardens of Villa Ragazzi in the Napa Valley. We tried and failed to count them as they buzzed in and out, wriggling deep inside the artichoke blossom at right to collect pollen. This goes on all day, every day, as there are plenty of blooming plants to attract them.

We wonder if the honey will taste like artichokes?

Our prolific artichokes are, unfortunately, inedible, even after active boiling for 90 minutes or more. But they make beautiful dried flower arrangements that last until the next year's bloom, so they have an honored place in the garden.

If you look carefully at about second 35 in the video, you'll see a tiny green ladybug cruising by on a leaf in the upper left quadrant.